Frameless vs. Framed Cabinets: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ve probably heard the terms framed and frameless cabinets tossed around. So what is the difference and how do you decide whether framed vs. frameless cabinets will work best for your kitchen remodel? At Kitchen Me Now, we break down the differences so you can make the right decision for your space, style, and budget.

What Are Frameless Cabinets?

Frameless cabinets (also called full-access or European-style) do away with the face

Sleek, frameless cabinetry

frame. Instead, the doors attach directly to the cabinet box. This creates a sleek, seamless look and allows full access to the interior of the cabinet.

Key Features of Frameless Cabinets:

• Clean, modern lines with full-overlay doors

• More usable storage space inside the cabinet - this is most apparent in drawers - adding 1.5" of space. Throughout an entire kitchen, the space increase is typically between 4 and 8%

• Requires very precise installation—uneven ceilings and walls can complicate the installation

• Because frameless cabinetry requires thicker box construction and precision hardware, it can cost slightly more upfront — but that investment often pays off in sleek looks and added storage

  
  

Best for: Modern, minimalist, or contemporary kitchens where clean lines and maximum space efficiency are priorities.

What Are Framed Cabinets?

Framed cabinets are a traditional American cabinet style. They have a face frame—a 1.5-

Framed Inset Cabinetry

inch-wide piece of wood that surrounds the front opening of the cabinet box. Think of it like a picture frame. The doors attach to the frame, and it gives the cabinet added strength and dimension.

Key Features of Framed Cabinets

• Doors can be inset, partial overlay, or full overlay. For an overview of inset cabinetry, you can review our post Timeless Design and Modern Function

• Classic and traditional appeal

• Slightly more forgiving for uneven walls and floors during installation.

• The face frame adds structural strength

Best for:Homeowners who prefer a timeless look or want a high degree of flexibility in door styles and hardware options.

Frameless vs. Framed Cabinetry: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Framed	Frameless
Aesthetic	Traditional, transitional with more room for detail such as beads and molding	Modern, sleek, minimalist with a tighter reveal creating a more seamless look
Construction	Sturdy build with added support for the box. Framed cabinets can use 1/2" to 3/4" sides for construction with the added stability from the frame	Less reinforcement without the frame; typically use a 3/4" side to ensure integrity and rigidity
Interior Access	Marginally restricted	Full access, particularly with drawers
Door Types	Inset, partial overlay, full overlay	Full overlay (inset feasible, but expensive and rare)
Durability	Sturdy with frame support	Durable but relies on box integrity and durability, the absence of which can increase likelihood of warping
Popularity	Classic and standard American style	Gaining popularity due to increasing demand and influence from Europe and other nations
Hinges	Hinge optionality from hidden to exposed leaving more room for aesthetic options or historical design; sturdier over time	European concealed hinges; may require more adjustment and replacement over time
Resale	Appeals to a wider audience, especially in a more traditional area	Can give a higher end vibe with modern European feel increasing modern resale appeal

So, Which Is Better: Frameless or Framed?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to framed vs. frameless —it completely depends upon your style, needs and budget.

Choose framed cabinets if:

• You love a classic, farmhouse, or transitional look.

• Retrofitting older homes that have settled over time (walls and ceilings not level)

• You want a range of door styles

Go with frameless cabinets if:

• You’re aiming for a minimalistic, clean, modern design

• Easy to clean

• You want to maximize interior space.

• You like sleek, full-overlay doors.

Let’s Design the Right Cabinetry for You

At Kitchen Me Now, we carry both framed and frameless cabinetry from top manufacturers, so you can choose what works best for your home, budget and overall aesthetic. Whether you’re building new or remodeling, we'll help you weigh options and determine the best fit, style and cabinet line.

Visit our showroom at 172 S. Main Street, Yardley, PA, or at 252 Commerce Circle, Bristol, PA, or schedule your consultation today!